Overview

Five Gorges Walk

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Crete is famous for the longest gorge in Europe, the Samaria gorge, but it has many lesser known, and just as beautiful, (and not as long) ravines to explore. Join us for a week of the best gorge walks that Western Crete has to offer with stunning scenery along the way and a chance to discover the lesser known Western tip of the island.
This far west side of the island also provides the opportunity to discover a very authentic side of Crete life and its traditional culture.
Our base is the provincial seaside town of Kissamos, predominantly an agricultural working town, which offers a glimpse of local life mixed with a touch of tourism. It is situated in the middle of a beautiful bay that sits between the 'fingers' of two peninsulas, Gramvousa and Rodopos, on the north coast.
Walking boots are essential for this tour as the terrain can be quite rough underfoot. Walking poles are also advised. The walks are organised by Stelios and Angela Milonakis, a local Greek/English couple, who began their walking company in 1999 and have been leading our very popular Walking in Western Crete tour for the last 8 years.

Highlights and Inclusions

Departs 15 May 2018

Return flights from London Gatwick to Chania (some regional flights may be available, please enquire)

Seven nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Sunny Bay Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room

Five dinners at local tavernas and one dinner in Chania town

Five picnic or taverna lunches

Transfers and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

Local guide throughout

NOT INCLUDED

Single room supplement

Sea view supplement

Regional flight supplement (subject to availability)

Holiday insurance

Meals other than those stated

Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc

Porterage and gratuities

Itinerary

Day
1

Fly from London Gatwick to Chania. On arrival in Chania, transfer by coach to Kissamos (approx. 50 mins) and the Sunny Bay Hotel. Dinner at a local taverna.

Day
2

Circular walk Karanos and Kydoni (7km)
A gentle start to our gorge walks beginning at the gorge of Karanos, which we walk down before then heading up Kydoni gorge. The walk is pretty, shaded and secluded and finishes with lunch at Crete’s beautiful botanical park, situated in the foothills of the White Mountains. Stunning scenery from start to finish.

Day
3

Village life tour and Sirikari gorge walk (12km)
A real highlight of Angela and Stelios walking holidays is a visit to Stelios' parents’ house where a Cretan welcome awaits you with tales of Cretan life; past and present. Here we get the chance to see how rural life exists today before we begin our walk uphill to the ‘eco’ village of Milia, followed by a walk through the tranquil Sirikari gorge, home to nesting Griffon vultures. An excellent taverna lunch will await us, under the grapevines, at the end of our walk, at Odysseus cafenion enjoying views back to the Sirikari gorge.

Day
4

Samaria gorge (16km)
Crete’s' most famous attraction and the longest and most spectacular gorge in Europe, Samaria gorge is a must do whilst in Crete. It is a long walk but well-paced so you can take your time. You start walking around 8.30am and after approximately 6 hours of walking you arrive at the south coast where there will be time to swim in the crystal clear Libyan Sea before returning to the hotel. A full day of amazing views and experiences.

Day
5

Free day to relax and explore, or swim, at your leisure.

Day
6

Deliana and Roka Gorges (12km)
Two impressive gorges, that offer frescoed churches and delightful little villages. These gorges are also home to the impressive Griffon vultures which we are sure to see, and, in the spring, Dragon Arums – stunning black flowers.

Day
7

Agia Irini Gorge (7km)
Smaller than Samaria but no less impressive Agia Irini is a peaceful and stunning gorge. Our walk culminates with time on the south coast for lunch and a swim before returning to our hotel.

Day
8

Transfer by coach back to Chania airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion